Apple is reportedly prepping its own wearable device, something on the lines of Google Glass with a focus towards augmented reality. According to a report from Bloomberg News, the iPhone-maker is already in talks with potential suppliers and has even ordered near eye display components in small quantities for testing purposes.
Multiple reports suggest that Apple’s smart glasses will connect wirelessly to an iPhone, and will then display information within the user’s field of view, similar to the way Google Glass works. The device could arrive at the earliest sometime in 2018, but Apple has declined to comment and has been tight-lipped about the project. That said, several reports already suggest that Apple has been hiring AR talent and is secretly working on some kind of commercial release. Even CEO Tim Cook has been rather stoked about augmented reality, as he talked about AR several times during an earnings call back in July.
“We are high on AR for the long run. We think there are great things for customers and a great commercial opportunity,” said Cook back in July.
Apple has been struggling with iPhone sales in recent quarters, with accusations of lacking in inventiveness which has stifled company’s earnings and reputation. Such a device could revive consumer faith in the company in the post Steve Jobs-era. That said, AR has its own set of challenges. Google Glass turned out be a disaster, as the company discontinued the device recently and also closed its social media account, despite the popularity it gathered when it was launched back in 2012.
In other related news, multiple reports suggest that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 8 is set to get the makeover iPhone fans have been waiting for. The upcoming iPhone 8 is tipped to pack an edge-to-edge bezel-less display. Barclays Research Analysts have reported that the upcoming iPhone 8 will have two variants, a 5-inch and a 5.8-inch version, both featuring curved bezel-less displays.
